NCJ Number
221158
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 57 Issue: 6 Dated: November/December 2007 Pages: 841-847
Date Published
November 2007
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article describes how to use Adobe Photoshop Elements imaging software in making corrections and additions to initial software-generated facial composites.
Abstract
Although a facial composite sketching rendered by a skilled artist is still the only method taught by the Federal Bureau of investigation and is generally regarded as the best means of constructing the most accurate facial composite, imaging technology companies have developed software packages for facial composites. These programs enable the operator to choose face parts and position them to create a likeness of a face according to the guidance provided by eyewitnesses. After developing an approximate composite with this software, this article provides instruction in how it can be fine-tuned with Adobe Photoshop software to bring the composite even closer to an eyewitness' recollection of the suspect's features. Photoshop is a widely accepted tool for photographic and image processing. The methods described in this article assume that the reader has some experience in using this software. Adobe Photoshop Elements (versions 2 and 3) were used in the preparation of this article. It describes how Photoshop tools can be used to reposition and resize face parts, replace a face part, correct skin tone, adjust shapes, enlarge and reduce the eyes, thin or thicken eyebrows or lips, modify hair styling, and provide beard stubble. Figures presented in the article show photoshop corrections from an initial software composite compared with a photograph of the actual perpetrator. 3 figures and 9 references